The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I heard that you were getting married
I always knew that you'd do well
You're a legendary beauty
From our small provincial town
Ilocos joined to Leyte
Two important families
A glorious occasion
A foretold destiny
I followed in the morning papers
How exciting it has been
The courtship and the whirlwind romance
For the sweetest of beauty queens
He's crazy for you
Who wouldn't be, I'm sure?
And nothing matters more than that
And you'll never be poor no more
How she looked when she passed by
How she looked when she passed by
I feel like I'm watching history
Living before my eyes
Many years from now
We'll recall just how
How she looked when she passed by
I know that you are in there somewhere
Whole Man drawing
Letters get misplaced in the mail
Guess that there was some confusion
Amidst those throngs and swells
Did you see me outside?
Did you see me wave
When you passed in your car?
Ah, well, that's okay
How she looked when she passed by
How she looked when she passed by
Feel like I'm watching history
Living before my eyes
Many years from now
We'll recall just how
How she looked when she passed by
I always knew that you'd do well
You're a legendary beauty
From our small provincial town
Ilocos joined to Leyte
Two important families
A glorious occasion
A foretold destiny
I followed in the morning papers
How exciting it has been
The courtship and the whirlwind romance
For the sweetest of beauty queens
He's crazy for you
Who wouldn't be, I'm sure?
And nothing matters more than that
And you'll never be poor no more
How she looked when she passed by
How she looked when she passed by
I feel like I'm watching history
Living before my eyes
Many years from now
We'll recall just how
How she looked when she passed by
I know that you are in there somewhere
Whole Man drawing
Letters get misplaced in the mail
Guess that there was some confusion
Amidst those throngs and swells
Did you see me outside?
Did you see me wave
When you passed in your car?
Ah, well, that's okay
How she looked when she passed by
How she looked when she passed by
Feel like I'm watching history
Living before my eyes
Many years from now
We'll recall just how
How she looked when she passed by
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